The comprehensive whitewash victory of Bangladesh against Pakistan, achieved on Pakistan’s soil, has propelled the team to 4th place in the ICC Test Championship rankings. With crucial upcoming matches, including a series against India this month, South Africa at home next month, and a tour to the West Indies shortly after, Bangladesh has a real chance to solidify its position in the top four.
We are aware that Bangladesh cricket did have sour relations with Head Coach Sri Lankan Australian Chandrika Haturasinghe. But given the present crucial time of the team ahead of very important cricket engagements and present state of newfound self-confidence of the team, it is not prudent to even discuss of changing the head coach and replacing with anyone local or foreign. Any new coach will have no time to settle or adjust. Bangladesh should better let Chandrika complete his contract and in the meantime search for a new coach to take over after the Champions trophy.
Well like many Bangladeshi cricket enthusiasts and fan followers this writer is not also a great fan of Sri Lankan mastermind for his arrogance and autocratic management of team management. Haturasinghe is known for his hostile attitude of senior players. He reportedly had liking and disliking about players. He is also alleged in the creation of conflicts between two senior members of the team. In the process these created sense of insecurity among players and unhealthy ambience in the dressing room. Tournaments after tournaments Bangladesh failed and the morale of the team was looking down the barrel. But the series in Bangladesh changed it all. Possibly some critical changes in BCB administration following the political change of Bangladesh from mass upsurge of the Young Generation stimulated the changes of attitude, aptitude of team. Head Coach among others must be given due credit as well. This is not the right time to consider his replacement.
Bangladesh will leave for India for playing a very important two matches test series against mighty India next week. India is sitting at the top of the ICC Test Championship points table. India in India in any format now is almost invincible. Bangladesh must encounter India with a settled side capable of challenging the might of India. Even his bitterest foe admits that Haturasinghe is a sound tactician. He perhaps read well the writings on the wall and reported gelled well with the team members during the last series against Pakistan.
With Faruk Ahmed as BCB President, Nazmul Abedin Fahim as Director BCB and Gazi Ashraf Lipu the alleged syndicate no longer exist. Hence the team now plays fearless cricket without pressure. We hope Bangladesh gives good account of them against India and fights. Anything is possible for a team that has started ascendency knowing well its own strengths and limits. None to pay heed to speculations and pillow talks of content creators and gossipers. Let all Cricket admirers remain solidly behind team tigers in thick and thin. We must remain carefully optimistic about the prospect of team against India.
BSDT: 1818 HRS, SEPT 10, 2024
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